Tributes pour in for loyal Adams

Tony Adams’ career was celebrated in his second testimonial tonight after 19 years’ faithful service to Arsenal amid a career that reached the heights of four titles and 66 England caps, as well as the depths of a battle against alcoholism.

The first testimonial, which took place nine years ago, was a relatively low-key affair.

This, against Scottish champions Celtic, was a sell-out as Arsenal continued their celebrations of the Double, claiming a 1-1 draw as Lee Dixon equalised Alan Thompson’s opener.

Here, some of Adams’ team-mates and friends pay tribute to the 35-year-old former England captain, who has yet to decide whether he will join Lee Dixon in retiring this summer.

:: Arsene Wenger: ‘‘What does Tony Adams symbolise for Arsenal? Success and fate as well as certainly love and respect between the club and him. He’s a highly respected man here because of his commitment.

‘‘You just know that he will give you 100%. It’s tremendous. All these players are just exceptional human beings Dixon, Bould, Keown, Winterburn, Adams, Seaman. They are just a joy to watch and work with.’’

:: Lee Dixon: ‘‘He’s had his addiction and coped with that fantastically well. It’s a daily battle for him. But in a football sense, we’ve kicked every ball together and our careers have mirrored each other’s for 14 years.

‘‘We’ve won and lost things together so I know exactly what he’s going through. He will sit down this summer and make a decision. But whatever he does, I know Tony will make the right one.’’

:: Thierry Henry: ‘‘You cannot say you don’t need Tony Adams as he’s a match-winner. He always wants to win as soon as he puts his feet on the pitch. That’s the most important thing and he’s a great skipper too.

‘‘These people bring so much hunger into the dressing room. He’s a great guy as well. What can you say about Tony Adams and Lee Dixon when they have won the title in three decades? You just have to say well done.’’

:: David Seaman: ‘‘Tony knows what’s right for him. It’s not for me to say what’s right for him. Tony has made his decision and only he knows how he feels after games. He’s a fantastic guy.

‘‘I’m so proud to have known him and seen what he’s gone through. He’s come out the other side with dignity. He’s a great guy, a great player and a great motivator. He’s a born leader and there’s not many of those around.’’

:: Dennis Bergkamp: ‘‘We will miss Lee and Tony as well if he retires. They stand for English football. The Arsenal back four is famous throughout Europe and they taught the younger players a lot.

‘‘They’ve got so much knowledge about the English game. They know how to handle the end of the season as they’ve been there before. They stay calm and talk about things. They’re always there at the right moments.’’

:: Bob Wilson, goalkeeping coach: ‘‘I think Tony Adams is the greatest Arsenal man of all time. On the field, he has to go beyond the likes of Liam Brady, Alex James, Joe Mercer or Frank McLintock.

‘‘I don’t think anyone has represented the club from the age of 17 to the age he is now and sustained the injuries he has, while half of that time he’s been fighting his own soul. Only those close to him know how bad it was.’’

:: Ian Ridley, co-author of autobiography, Addicted: ‘‘A waiter at an awards ‘do’ approached me and said ‘if it’s any consolation at not winning, I read your book recently and I’m now getting the help I need’.

‘‘I phoned Tony later to tell him the story. ‘That’s what we wrote it for, not for awards,’ he said.’’